The dog is described by the characters in the opera as a “good herding dog” and as old, ragged, and slow. A medium to large size animal is preferred. Additionally, the dog needs to follow “sit” and “place” commands, and be comfortable around loud music. No other special tricks are required, according to the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County's website.

Each dog in the rehearsal hall and made to sit between three singers, who would then burst into the loudest section of the 20-minute scene in which the chosen dog will appear, reports the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.